I keep going back to this DLC. I’m really amazed how Joethefish put this timetable together. 4800+ services. I did some trainspotting just outside London Victoria station from 8am to 9am and I counted a total of 82 train movements. Also with the added player and AI freight services that happened a few months ago made this route even better and more busier. Hopefully one day we can have it upgraded and optimized to be able to add the 700's
Absolutely agree! For me, it's the standout route in the whole of TSW - the timetable is epic and super-busy, all large stations are full and not empty (like a lot of newer routes), lots of adverse signals which makes services not feel repetitive, lots of different rolling stock, the route itself is not boring with lots of variation and a plethora of different service lengths from a couple minutes to more than hour is great too! While I don't expect every route to have such an immense timetable like London Commuter, I do wish more newer routes were even a bit like this as it provides a lot of long-term gameplay - I've completed nearly 600 services so far, so still plenty of enjoyment - instead of just empty, one-loco routes (just to be clear, I'm not against one-loco routes if realistic for smaller routes). As you say, just needs the 700 now, so hopefully DTG can sort out the much-needed optmisation for the route and, I hope, it can have TOD 4 lighting/skies too. I love London Commuter! All photos taken by myself
LBN is an interesting case. On the one hand, it clearly set a standard (with a few other routes) that DTG, for whatever reason, hasn't consistently matched. The mere existence of LBN, I feel, is one of the reasons why many of the more recent DLCs have been poorly received. However, we must remember that the route still doesn't have its full implementation of rush hour passengers, and was criticized at release for poor scenery at some locations (Reigate). Also, although it represented great value when bought as part of the rush hour pack, it's also true that to fully realize the route's potential you need SEHS, GWE, ECW and the 313 to go with it (and also the 465 if running TSW2). That's a lot of money. Is that what it costs to make a truly great route in TSW? Would anyone pay that much for a DLC all at once? As I said, it is interesting. My own thought is that DTG is not in any rush to make more improvements to LBN, road map or no. First of all, it's probably a big challenge for them. However, imagine an LBN with full rush hour, TOD4, and the 700. How much worse would that make the rest of their DLC library look? Compare that hypothetical route to LIRR! Now that Peak Forest is here DTG says that they will be looking at some game issues. For me it's also a good time to think about what I want and what I will pay in the future. What I can say is that one of the survey questions asked whether "high quality" or "more frequent" DLCs were preferred. My answer was quality, and I think we now know the general feeling of the community as well. We shall see.
This both has to happen. I just can´t stand any routes without the new TOD 4. I was shocked to learn that they will not update all old routes to it.
Amen! I generally always end up back on BML. I can run all services HUD-less now which feels great! I've been learning SEHS recently though in anticipation of the 700, and I still hold out hope we'll see the 700 on the BML before the year is out.
It's a lot of work for the special projects team to update all 60+ pieces of dlc. Every single asset and lighting value has to be updated. Expecting it on all routes is unrealistic. Dtg can't just magically press a button and it works
The timetable is glorious and the scenery is generally alright but I have only completed a very small handful of services because I just can't stand the Electrostars in any way and if I want to enjoy the masterpiece (Joe's timetable) I need to endure one of these units. I know the chances are low but it would be great to see the 700 layer onto the route so I'll be able to enjoy it.
It really is a wonderful route. Add in the mods made by community members and it really does stand out among the rest of the DLCs. This + Nahverkehr Dresden + SEHS is the ultimate trio in TSW imo. I really hope they can somehow squeeze the 700 into BML.
Agreed - it's a great route. For me, possibly the best, due to the feeling of being busy and all the variety.
I agree. while not perfect like with the scerary at Reigate is something I personally can look pass it because of the timetable. With that said You are correct that some of the other routes like the LIRR do need big improvements so they bring the timetable to what it should be. This will of coarse take time and money. So how can they do it? Bring in the M9/M9A, the EMD DM30AC/DE30AC,Kawasaki C3 as a pay DLC.Or
True. For me personally (!), a dense timetable, in particular with different locos, is THE way to enjoying a route. Again, my personal view and everyone has his own opinions. For that reason, I like the German routes with substitution of freight locos. I have bought the RHTT and will definitely purchase the Class 700 to make SEHS even better.
Honestly the timetable and busyiness of London Commuter is the reason why it is the only old route I go to now. And I can even drive HUDless (only on Victoria-Gatwick/Brighton services as these are my go-to, but I am learning the 377 services slowly).
Had posted this in the awesome services thread, but thought it was worth putting here too for those who want to play one of the best services in London Commuter and TSW! 1M39* - Brighton to London Victoria - 0946hrs - GX Class 387 This 12-coach service beginning at Brighton calls at just Gatwick and Victoria, however the amount of adverse signals (both yellows and reds encountered) was truly amazing - for an extra challenge I recommend selecting the weather as thunderstorms for those without the HUD. Initially, the service is pretty normal for the first part of the journey, however, once you get to Haywards Heath you'll start encountering a lot of adverse signals as you end up following the Class 66 freight service 6V60 from Ardingly to Acton - once you pass Balcombe Tunnel the 66 moves out the way but you'll actually race it parallel towards Gatwick which is very cool; the freight service will likely pass by again as it heads to Clapham Junction via Redhill. Elsewhere, and later in the journey, as you near Purley you'll briefly race another service in the form of a 4-coach 377 from Reigate. Meanwhile, as you near East Croydon you'll then starting encountering more adverse signals pretty much the rest of the way to Victoria - with hardly any greens this requires utmost concentration! Finally, at Clapham Junction, there is another Class 66 service, this time an AI-only one, however you'll also briefly race this parallel too. It's services like this which is why I love TSW when it's at its best - and is certainly the reason why London Commuter is truly the best route in the entire game (and why there needs to be more like this!). *Please note this service was from Gen 9/PC due to the brand-new extra freight services which I don't believe are on Gen 8 which is a shame.
It is a fantastic route to drive. The only couple of things I'd love to see on it is a London to Brighton railtour service and maybe using the GWR three coach train on a scenario where it fills in at the last minute to do a Brighton to London run to replace a Class 377 that's broken down and can't leave Brighton
I'm sure someone in the community will mod-in the ability to run a 700 on the 377/387 services. Unrealistic, sure, but we'd at least get in some 700 time until DTG can get the proper timetables (and new stopping patterns!) in.
When Dovetail say in spring they’re currently taking a break from new DLC, it’s usually smoke and mirrors as they will actually be busying away behind the scenes on this summer’s surprise releases (a surprise at least until JD’s customary leak). Perhaps giving a bit of spit and polish to a revamped L2B ready for the class 700? (we live in hope).
What hope this isn't the big summer release? Yes it would be nice to have the 700 on LBN but it definitely isn't big summer release worthy just something that would be nice.
I suppose they could spring a SEHS on us with extensions to London Bridge and Eastbourne, plus the 700. Though I would sacrifice that for a retro CIG/BIG and VEP pack.
Da Vinci, Beethoven, Einstein, Shakespeare, Edison, Curie, Joe Burgess... great geniuses of history in their fields.
Yup and now that Joe is working the NYT you can rest assure that a far as the timetable goes it this route would be a whole different experience and it will be a true representation of the NEC.
I'm really looking forward to getting NYT with the new timetable, I'm hoping it will be a bit like a London Commuter 2.0 with lots of services. I would absolutely love this - it would be worth it just for the 700 considering how many new types of service patterns that would bring to London Commuter. Hopefully, then at least with London Commuter they could finally sort out the missing scenery too at the likes of Reigate etc.
This proves, as we've seen so many times, that timetable is key. That's what makes you go back to a route, that's what makes it feel immersive and alive. I really think there should be more Joes at DTG.
It definitely seems like they have underestimated the level of player satisfaction that the BIGGEST POSSIBLE TIMETABLE has generated. They obviously chose to skip that type of labor-intensive work on New York-Trenton and some people were upset. I hope three things: The general audience (not just vocal forum posters) appreciates the London Commuter timetable and agrees that it's the best thing about the route. DTG build that type of time and effort into all passenger routes in the future. The attitude of "we have lots of trains in the game, let's throw as many as we can on a route" persists in the development team.
I maintain that this suggestion could be transformative for TSW: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/timetable-crew.60627/
You are correct and what you need now are the following ECW and GWML London Paddington to Reading as separate purchase since new players automatically get SEHS TSW 3 version with 465 DLC RHTT Class 66. Speaking of BML Class 700/0 SEHS this should do the Brighton to Bedford via Gatwick and Luton Airport Railway stations. Since the Peterborough/Cambridge trips are 700/1
As with the previous service recommendation, had posted this in the awesome services thread but thought it would be suitable for this thread too considering it relates to the amazing London Commuter timetable - enjoy! These services are great if you like shorter, 30-minute journeys with lots of adverse signals! 2B63 - Epsom Downs (Selhurst) to London Victoria - 1338hrs - Class 377 This was a fantastic service which had hardly any green signals all the way to Victoria - I also liked the arrival into Victoria which had three simultaneous departures (a pair of 377s and a 465) as you wait at a signal. 2B84 - London Victoria to Epsom Downs (Selhurst) - 1529hrs - Class 377 This, like the service above, had plenty of adverse signals for an interesting experience. However, what was notable about this particular service was thanks to the Class 66. As you arrive at Clapham Junction a Class 66 Convoy - 0O57 from Peterborough to Tonbridge - just departs the station and you follow this for the entire trip to Selhurst with hardly any green signals.
Am going to give these a go also. I am still doing early morning services, but these am defo trying asap.
